Obesity Rates Soar Among Algerian Youth

A recent study conducted by the Algerian Society of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases (SAOMM) in collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) has revealed alarming rates of overweight and obesity among Algerian university students. The study, which surveyed 1,062 students, found that 37.4% are overweight and 11.3% suffer from obesity. These numbers are particularly concerning given the complications associated with obesity, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

The study's findings were presented at the fifth international congress of SAOMM, held in Algiers from November 5-7. The event brought together experts, professors, researchers, and representatives from national and international institutions to discuss the growing issue of obesity in Algeria. According to Professor Ammar Tebaibia, president of SAOMM, the study highlights the vulnerability of a significant portion of the university population to overweight and obesity.

The study also found that obesity is associated with a range of complications, including metabolic disorders, sleep apnea, and joint problems. Among 500 patients followed at a specialized hospital unit, 55.4% had grade III obesity, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 42.1 kg/m² and a mean weight of 113.45 kg. Additionally, 58% of patients had glucose regulation disorders, with 40.2% having diabetes and 17.8% having prediabetes.

The hospital-based study also highlighted the importance of addressing eating behavior disorders, which affect 86.8% of patients. These disorders include episodes of compulsive eating, emotional eating, and repeated consumption of food between meals. The study's findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to treating obesity, including psychological and behavioral support, in addition to dietary recommendations and weight loss goals.

However, the study also revealed challenges in providing regular medical follow-up to patients. The specialized unit lost contact with 46.8% of patients, or 234 out of 500, highlighting the need for improved patient engagement and retention. Despite these challenges, the unit has seen a significant increase in activity, with the number of patients treated rising from 53 in 2023 to 445 in 2026.

In response to the growing obesity crisis, Algerian Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudène emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the issue. He stressed that obesity must be considered a chronic, complex, and multifactorial disease, rather than simply a matter of excess weight. The minister highlighted the importance of prevention, early detection, and improved diagnosis of complications, as well as the development of specialized care units nationwide.

The minister also underscored the role of scientific societies, such as SAOMM, in supporting national efforts to combat obesity through knowledge sharing, continuing education, and research development. The experience of the two specialized obesity treatment units at the Djilali-Belkhenchir public hospital was cited as a promising model for care, with the potential for expansion to other regions of the country.

Key points

• 37.4% of Algerian university students are overweight, while 11.3% suffer from obesity.
• Obesity is associated with a range of complications, including metabolic disorders, sleep apnea, and joint problems.
• A comprehensive approach to treating obesity is needed, including psychological and behavioral support, in addition to dietary recommendations and weight loss goals.